Single Idea 22819

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 5. Education / d. Study of history]

Full Idea

The turning point in the history of the philosophy of history occurs in the eighteenth century, when the ancient cyclical model of Vico is superseded by the idea of progress.

Gist of Idea

In the 18th century history came to be seen as progressive, rather than cyclical

Source

Vittorio Hösle (A Short History of German Philosophy [2013], 6)

Book Reference

Hösle,Vittorio: 'Short History of German Philosophy' [Princeton 2013], p.89


A Reaction

He says that Hegel merely inherited this progressive view, rather than creating it. I'm not sure how widely held the cyclical view was. I don't recognise it in Shakespeare. Science and technology must have suggested progress.